Choosing the right approach
General carpentry deals with the fitted timber elements around the home: internal door sets, architraves, skirtings, boxing and local timber repairs. Inspect existing pieces for damage, movement and their relationship to new floor levels. Agree which components can be repaired and which require replacement. Door handing, clear openings and the line where timber meets plaster should be resolved before manufacture, especially when old walls are not straight.
What the specification should cover
- Internal doors and opening direction
- Skirting and architrave profiles
- Local timber condition and repairs
- Boxing with removable access panels
- Coordination with floors and painting
Measure after the floor build-up is agreed
A new floor can change door clearance and the visible height of skirtings. Record the finished levels for every doorway, then select hinges and handles with the actual leaf thickness. Mark any service access that must remain removable; a neat timber enclosure should still allow a valve or connection to be reached.
Questions about general carpentry & timber repairs
Can existing internal doors be retained?
Often, but check the leaf, frame, hinges and clearance as a complete set. A floor change, damaged edge or altered opening may affect the repair. Agree a sample repair and finish before treating every door in the house.